Mon Oct 07 12:52:47 UTC 2024: ## Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for Discovery of MicroRNA
**Stockholm, Sweden** – Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun, renowned molecular biologists, have been awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in Medicine 2024 for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA and its vital role in gene regulation. The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute announced the recipients, highlighting the duo’s groundbreaking work in understanding how genes are controlled within cells.
Ambros and Ruvkun’s research revolutionized the understanding of gene regulation, revealing a previously unknown layer of complexity within the human genome. Their discovery of microRNA, a class of small RNA molecules, provided critical insights into how cells select and utilize specific genes, ultimately influencing the development and function of diverse cell types.
“Their findings introduced a new concept in gene regulation, essential for the functioning of multicellular organisms, including humans,” stated the Nobel Prize Committee.
Ambros, an American developmental biologist, discovered the first microRNA (miRNA) while researching developmental timing in the nematode worm *C. elegans*. He later continued his research on the role of microRNAs in development, identifying additional miRNAs and contributing significantly to the understanding of their function.
Ruvkun, an American molecular biologist, further expanded on Ambros’ discovery by elucidating how microRNAs regulate messenger RNA translation. He also discovered the second miRNA, let-7, and demonstrated its conservation across various animal species, including humans.
This Nobel Prize recognizes the profound impact of Ambros and Ruvkun’s work on the field of molecular biology. Their discovery of microRNA has led to a deeper understanding of human health and disease, opening new avenues for research in areas like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immune system development.
First Piper 